Over the years, K-dramas have seen multiple tropes that have satisfied fans. One of the most famous themes in K-dramas includes the underdogs. These characters have huge odds stacked up against them. However, with their sheer determination and courage to overcome challenges, they cross the barriers and become successful. The result is not just a happy ending for the characters but also for viewers who have followed their journey.
Some popular K-dramas on Netflix include Itaewon Class, Fight For My Way, Start-Up, and others. Each of these dramas has one or multiple characters who seem like a lost cause. Throughout the series, they prove that they are quite the opposite. While navigating their personal lives, they face the challenges head-on to achieve success. Check out more details about these K-dramas below.
Itaewon Class
Itaewon Class is a popular underdog K-drama that premiered on January 31, 2020. The series follows the story of ex-con, Park Saeroyi (Park Seo-Joon), who suffers significant trauma. Not only does he get expelled from the school, but his father also dies in an accident.
To avenge the death of his father and succeed in life, he opens up a pub in Itaewon named DanBam to compete against the conglomerate owner whose son was responsible for his father’s death. Together with his team, he slowly becomes successful. The drama also stars Kim Da-Mi, Kwon Na-Ra, Ahn Bo-Hyun, and more. Meanwhile, viewers can watch it here.
Fight For My Way
Fight For My Way follows the journey of former taekwondo athlete Ko Dong-Man (Park Seo-Joon), who had to let go of his dreams and now works as a contract employee. Meanwhile, his longtime friend Choi Ae-Ra (Kim Ji-Won) wishes to become a successful television anchor but works at the helpdesk of a department store. The two navigate challenges together as friends and gradually fall in love. The duo also try to achieve their dreams, crossing one obstacle at a time. The K-drama premiered on May 22, 2017; viewers can watch it here.
Start-Up
Start-Up is an underdog K-drama that premiered on October 17, 2020. The series follows a group of young entrepreneurs and start-up founders who aspire to turn their dreams into reality. They also encounter obstacles as they wish to make their start-ups a global success.
As they begin to achieve success in a highly competitive environment, they also find love and deal with heartbreak. The drama boasts a star-studded cast list, including Bae Suzy, Nam Joo-Hyuk, Kim Seon-Ho, Kang Han-Na, Kim Hae-Sook, Kim Do-Wan, and many others. Meanwhile, viewers can stream the K-drama on Netflix here.
Hot Stove League
Hot Stove League is one of the most popular underdog K-dramas that premiered on December 13, 2019. The story follows a newly appointed general manager named Baek Seung-Su (Namkoong Min), who is tasked with reviving a struggling baseball team called Dreams.
Collaborating with Lee Se-Young (Park Eun-Bin), the management team head of Dreams, Seung-Su tries to prepare the team for success. He navigates controversies around his rough professional career and, with Se-Young, achieves success for the team. Despite issues within the team members, the two leads can solve all issues and make Dreams a tough team to beat. Viewers can stream the series here.
Record of Youth
As the name suggests, Record of Youth follows the journey of a group of individuals in their youth who try to follow their dreams. This includes Sa Hye-Joon (Park Bo-Gum), a kind man and a popular model. As much success modeling gives him, he hopes to become an actor someday. However, he struggles to make his plan work.
Meanwhile, Ahn Jung-Ha (Park So-Dam) works as a make-up artist but also faces personal struggles. She becomes Hye-Joon’s fangirl. The two meet each other, as well as other characters, and help each other out to achieve success while also falling in love. It premiered on September 7, 2020. Meanwhile, viewers can stream this underdog K-drama on Netflix here.
Several other popular underdogs K-drama are available to stream on Netflix. Check them out here.
